Pivotable fin assembly, fin system including the same, and aquatic board including the fin system

ABSTRACT

A pivotable fin assembly, fin assembly including the same, and an aquatic board including the fin system, the fin assembly including: a housing including a base, a side wall extending from the base, and a first boss disposed on the base; a retainer disposed in the housing and including a second boss; and a fin attached to the retainer. The retainer is configured to rotate in the housing by at least about 30°.

FIELD

This disclosure relates to a pivotable fin assembly, a fin systemincluding the same, and an aquatic board including the fin system.

BACKGROUND

An aquatic board may include fins to enhance maneuverability. Forexample, an aquatic board may include right and left fins. A rider turnsthe board by engaging a rail of the board in the water, while using afin on the same side of the board as the engaged rail as a pivot point.In particular, the fin provides resistance to the lateral movement ofthe board, such that the board pivots around the fin. However, theopposing fin generates drag during the turn, thereby making the boardharder to turn and requiring more input from the rider. The created dragalso slows the board.

Accordingly, there is a need for a fin system that reduces drag andincreases maneuverability of an aquatic board.

SUMMARY

Exemplary embodiments provide a pivotable fin assembly, comprising: ahousing comprising a base, a side wall extending from the base, and afirst boss disposed on the base; a retainer disposed in the housing andcomprising a second boss; and a fin attached to the retainer, whereinthe retainer is configured to rotate in the housing by at least about30°.

Exemplary embodiments provide a fin system for an aquatic board, thesystem comprising: a first fin assembly configured to be disposed on afirst side of the aquatic board, the first fin assembly comprising afirst housing, a first retainer disposed in the housing, and a first finattached to the first retainer; and a second fin assembly configured tobe disposed on an opposing second side of the aquatic board, the secondfin assembly comprising a second housing, a second retainer disposed inthe housing, and a second fin attached to the second retainer, whereinthe first and second retainers are configured to rotate with respect tothe first and second housings, by at least about 30°.

Exemplary embodiments provide an aquatic board comprising the finsystem.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and areintended to provide further explanation of the invention as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a perspective view of pivoting finassembly according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1B is an exploded view of the fin assembly of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a modified version of a fin box of FIGS.1A and 1B.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a housing of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4A is perspective view showing bottom and side surfaces of aretainer of FIG. 2.

FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view showing top and side surfaces ofthe retainer of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4B illustrates a schematic view of a pad of the fuel cell system ofFIG. 4A.

FIGS. 5A-5C are partial perspective views of the fin assembly of FIG. 1,showing the rotation of a fin relative to a fin box.

FIGS. 6A-6C are plan views of the fin box that respectively correspondto FIGS. 5A-5C.

FIGS. 7A-7C are top views of an aquatic board moving straight, turningclockwise, and turning counter-clockwise, respectively, according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a modified second boss of a fin box,according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 illustrates perspective views of a modified housing according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 is a top view of an aquatic board according to variousembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description andthe following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only,and are not restrictive of the invention as claimed.

The arrangements of the fin system, as shown in the various exemplaryembodiments, are illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments havebeen described in detail in this disclosure, many modifications arepossible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes andproportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mountingarrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) withoutmaterially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of thesubject matter described herein.

Some elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multipleparts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwisevaried, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions maybe altered or varied. Other substitutions, modifications, changes andomissions may also be made in the design, operating conditions andarrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing fromthe scope of the present disclosure. Any one or more features of anyembodiment may be used in any combination with any one or more otherfeatures of one or more other embodiments.

Herein, an “aquatic board” is intended to refer to various types ofaquatic devices, such as, for example, surfboards, boogie boards, wakeboards, water skis, wind surfing boards, or the like.

FIG. 1A illustrates a perspective view of pivoting fin assembly 100,according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. FIG. 1Billustrates an exploded perspective view of the fin assembly 100 of FIG.1A.

Referring to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the fin assembly 100 includes a fin 110disposed in a fin box 120. In particular, the fin 110 includes a leadingedge 110A, a trailing edge 110B, and a support 112 that is connected tothe fin box 120. The support 112 may be a rectangular tab extending froma main body of the fin 110. However, the fin 110 may include multiplesupports 112, according to various embodiments.

The fin box 120 includes a housing 130, spacers 122, a retainer 140, afastener 124, and retention hardware 126. The fin 110 is held in theretainer 140 by the retention hardware 126. The retention hardware 126may be in the form of screws or the like. The fastener 124 operates tohold the retainer 140 in the housing 130, such that the retainer 140 isrotatable within the housing 130. As shown, fastener 124 may be a springclip configured to interface with an annular groove formed in thehousing 130, as discussed in detail below. However, the presentdisclosure is not limited to any particular type of fastener.

The spacers 122 are disposed between the retainer 140 and the housing130 and may operate to properly position the retainer 140 in the housing130. The spacers 122 may also operate to control the rotation of theretainer 140 in the housing 130. For example, the spacers 122 may allowthe retainer 140 to be smoothly rotated. In particular, the rotation ofthe retainer 140 may be controlled by controlling an amount of frictionthat occurs between the spacers 122 and the retainer 140. For example,the friction may be increased or decreased, by increasing or decreasingthe size and/or thickness of the spacers 122. The friction may be setsuch that the water resistance applied to the fin 110 during turning ofan aquatic board is sufficient to rotate the fin 110.

According to some embodiments, the spacers 122 may be in the form ofo-rings. The o-rings may be formed of rubber or silicon, for example. Inother embodiments, the spacers 122 may be bearings or torsion springs,for example. Further, in some embodiments the spacers 122 may beomitted.

FIG. 2 illustrates a modified fin box 120A, according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure. The fin box 120A is similar tothe fin box 120, so only the differences therebetween will be discussedin detail. Referring to FIG. 2, the fin box 120A includes a housing130A, a retainer 140, and a fastener 124A. Although not shown, the finbox 120A may also include the spacers 122 and retention hardware 126shown in FIG. 1B.

The fastener 124A may be an annular plate configured to be seated on anannular groove 134A of the housing 130A. The groove 134A may beconfigured such that the retainer is free to rotate when the fastener124A is attached to the housing 130A. The fastener 124A may includeattachment holes 125 configured to overlap with attachment holes 137formed in the housing 130A. Accordingly, the fastener 124A may beattached to the housing 130A by screws or the like that are secured inthe attachment holes 125 and 137.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the housing 130. Referring toFIG. 3, the housing 130 includes a base 131, a side wall 133 extendingfrom the base 131, a first boss 132 disposed on the base 131, and anannular groove 134 formed in the sidewall 133. The groove 134 may beconfigured to receive the fastener 124. The boss 132 may be disposedinside the sidewall 133 and is configured to restrict the rotation ofthe retainer 140, as discussed in detail below.

The housing 130 may also include attachment grooves 136 and alignmenttabs 138. Attachment grooves 136 may be configured to allow the housing130 to be securely attached to an aquatic board. The alignment tabs 138may facilitate proper alignment of the housing 130 in an aquatic board,and may include alignment indicia configured to indicate how the housingis to be disposed with respect to left and right sides of an aquaticboard.

FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view showing bottom and side surfacesof the retainer 140. FIG. 4B illustrates a perspective view of top andside surfaces of the retainer 140.

Referring to FIGS. 4A and 4A, the retainer 140 may include lateralgrooves 142, a fin slot 144, attachment holes 146, and a second boss148. The lateral grooves 142 may be configured to receive the spacers122. The fin slot 144 may be configured to receive the fin 110, e.g.,receive the support 112. The holes 146 may be configured to receive theattachment hardware 126. In particular, the holes 146 may include firstholes 146A disposed on one side of the fin slot 144, and a second hole146B disposed on an opposing second side of the fin slot 144. The firstholes 146A may be smaller than the second hole 146B. However, thepresent disclosure is not limited to any particular configuration orsizing of the holes 146, so long as the fin 110 may be secured in thefin slot 144.

The second boss 148 is disposed on an upper surface of the retainer 140.The second boss 148 may be generally semi-circular and may include arecess 149. The second boss 148 may be configured to control therotation of the retainer 130, in conjunction with the first boss 132. Inparticular, the first boss 132 and the second boss 148 may besubstantially coplanar. For example, the first and second bosses 132,148 may be disposed in a plane that is parallel to a plane of the base131. The recess 149 may operate as a passage for water, as discussed indetail below.

FIGS. 5A-5C are partial perspective views of the fin assembly 100,showing the rotation of the fin 110 relative to the fin box 120. FIGS.6A-6C are plan views of the fin box 120 respectively corresponding toFIGS. 5A-5C.

Referring to FIGS. 5A and 6A, the fin 110 is disposed in a firstposition relative to the fin box 120, where a first side of the firstboss 132 contacts a first side of the second boss 148. As a result, thecontact between the bosses 132, 148 prevents rotation of the fin 110 indirection A (clockwise).

Referring to FIGS. 5B and 6B, the fin 110 is rotated in direction B,such that the fin 110 is disposed in a second position relative to thefin box 120. In the second position, the fin 110 may rotate in eitherdirection A or direction B (counterclockwise), since the movement of thefin is not restricted by the bosses 132, 148. In other words, since thebosses 132, 148, do not contact one another the fin 110 is free torotate clockwise or counter clockwise.

Referring to FIGS. 5C and 6C, by rotating in direction B, the fin 110 isdisposed in a third position where a second side of the first boss 132contacts a second side of the second boss 148. Therefore, furtherrotation of the fin 110 in direction B is prevented by the bosses 132,148.

Accordingly, the fin assembly 100 is configured to allow the fin 110 torotate approximately 90° from the first position to the third position.However, the bosses 132, 148 may be configured to allow for a greater orlesser range of motion. For example, the bosses 132, 148 may beconfigured to allow at least about 30°, 35°, 40°, or 45° of rotation. Insome embodiments, the bosses 132, 148 may be configured to allow anamount of rotation ranging from about 20° to about 235°. For example,the bosses 132, 148 may be configured to allow an amount of rotationranging from about 30° to about 170°, from about 35° to about 165°, fromabout 40° to about 160°, from about 45° to 155°, or from about 60° toabout 150°.

In addition, any fluid, such as air or water, in the fin box 120 maypass through the recess 149. As such, such fluids are not trapped on anyone side of the bosses 132, 148. Thus, the recess 149 is configured toprevent such fluids from restricting the movement of the fin 110.

FIG. 7A illustrates a top view of an aquatic board 250 including a finsystem 200 and that is moving in a direction parallel to a centerline CLthereof, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.FIGS. 7B and 7C illustrate top view of the aquatic board 250respectively turning in a clockwise direction C and counter clockwisedirection CC.

Referring to FIGS. 7A-7C, the aquatic board 250 is shown as beingtransparent. The fin system assembly 200 includes a right fin assembly100R (first fin assembly) and a left fin assembly 100L (second finassembly). The fin assemblies 100R, 100L may be substantially the sameas the fin assembly 100, and respectively include a right fin 110R and aleft fin 100L. However, each fin assembly 100R, 100L is configured torestrict the motion of its respective fin 100R, 100L, according to itscorresponding side of the aquatic board 250, as discussed in detailbelow.

In FIG. 7A the aquatic board is traveling in a direction F which isparallel to a centerline CL (lengthwise central axis) of the board.Accordingly, the fins 110R, 110L are both aligned substantially parallelto the centerline CL. In other words, both fins 100R, 100L are alignedwith the path of least resistance e.g., the least water resistance.

In FIG. 7B, the aquatic board 250 is turning in the clockwise directionC. As such, the right side of the aquatic board 250 may be referred toas an inner rail, and the left side of the aquatic board 250 may bereferred to as an outer rail. During the turn, the right fin assembly110R prevents the right fin 110R from pivoting towards the right side ofthe aquatic board 250, such that the right fin 110L is heldsubstantially parallel to the lengthwise axis of the aquatic board 250.In addition, the left fin assembly 100L allows the left fin 110L topivot toward the right side of the aquatic board 250. In other words,the left fin 110L pivots, such that a trailing edge thereof movestowards the centerline CL.

As such, the right fin 110R operates as a pivot point of the turn, whilethe left fin 110L is aligned with the arc of turn, thereby reducing theresistance applied to the left fin 110L. In other words, the fin system200 is configured to reduce drag on the aquatic board 250, by allowingthe left fin 110L to pivot to a position where drag is minimized, whilemaintaining the right fin 110R in a position that facilitates theturning.

In FIG. 7C, the aquatic board 250 is turning in the counterclockwisedirection CC. As such, the left side of the aquatic board 250 may bereferred to as an inner rail, and the right side of the aquatic board250 may be referred to as an outer rail. During the turn, the left finassembly 1101 prevents the left fin 110L from pivoting towards the leftside of the aquatic board 250, such that the left fin 110L is heldsubstantially parallel to the lengthwise axis of the aquatic board 250.In addition, the right fin assembly 100R allows the right fin 110R topivot toward the left side of the aquatic board 250. In other words, theright fin 110R rotates, such that a trailing edge thereof is closer tothe centerline CL than a leading edge thereof.

As such, the left fin 110L operates as a pivot point of the turn, whilethe right fin 110R is aligned with the arc of the turn, thereby reducingthe resistance applied to the right fin 110R. In other words, the finsystem 200 is configured to reduce drag on the aquatic board 250, byallowing the right fin 110R to pivot to a position where drag isminimized, while maintaining the left fin 110L in a position thatfacilitates the turning.

Accordingly, the fin system 200 is configured to facilitate turning ofthe aquatic board 250 and increase the speed thereof, by reducing dragof a fin disposed adjacent to an outer rail of the aquatic board 250.

FIG. 8 illustrates a perspective view of a portion a fin box including amodified second boss 148A, according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure. Referring to FIG. 8, the second boss 148A includes acircular cutout 149A, rather than a recess 149 shown in FIG. 4B.Accordingly, water transfer may be improved.

FIG. 9 illustrates a modified housing 130A according to variousembodiments of the present disclosure. In particular, the housing 130Aincludes a cap 135 configured to mate with sidewall 133A. The cap 135may be joined to the sidewall 135A by threads, snapping features, or thelike. The cap 135 overlaps the sidewall 133A, and includes a flange 135Aconfigured to hold the retainer 140 in the housing 130A. Accordingly,additional retaining features, such as a spring clip or the like may beomitted.

FIG. 10 illustrates a top view of an aquatic board 250A including a finsystem 200A, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure.The aquatic board 250A is similar to the aquatic board 250, so only thedifferences therebetween will be discussed in detail.

Referring to FIG. 10, the fin system 200A includes an additional centerfin assembly 100C including a center fin 110C. The center fin assembly100C may be configured to allow the center fin 110C to pivot from theforward direction F, towards either side of the centerline CL of aquaticboard 250A. For example, the center fin 110C may rotate betweenpositions X and Y.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variation can be made in the present invention withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it isintended that the present invention cover the modifications andvariations of this invention provided they come within the scope of theappended claims and their equivalents.

1. A pivotable fin assembly, comprising: a housing comprising a base, aside wall extending from the base, and a first boss disposed on thebase; a retainer disposed in the housing and comprising a second boss; afin attached to the retainer, wherein the retainer is configured torotate in the housing by at least about 30°.
 2. The fin assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the retainer is configured to pivot in the housing,between a first position where the second boss contacts a first side ofthe first boss, and a second where the second boss contacts a secondside of the first boss.
 3. The fin assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising at least one spacer disposed between side wall of the housingand the retainer.
 4. The fin assembly of claim 3, wherein the retainercomprises at least one groove configured to receive the spacer.
 5. Thefin assembly of claim 1, wherein the retainer is configured to rotate byan amount ranging from about 30° to about 170°.
 6. The fin assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the housing further comprises attachment grooves formedin an outer surface thereof.
 7. The fin assembly of claim 1, wherein thehousing further comprises alignment tabs extending from an edge of thesidewall.
 8. The fin assembly of claim 7, wherein the alignment tabscomprise alignment indicia.
 9. The fin assembly of claim 1, furthercomprising a fastener configured to hold the retainer in the housing.10. The fin assembly of claim 9, wherein: the sidewall comprises agroove in which the fastener is disposed; and the fastener comprises aspring clip or an annular plate.
 11. The fin assembly of claim 1,wherein the second boss is semi-circular.
 12. The fin assembly of claim1, wherein the second boss comprises a recess configured to operate as apassage for water to flow within the housing.
 13. The fin assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the retainer comprises a fin slot configured to receivea support extending from the fin.
 14. The fin assembly of claim 1,wherein the housing comprises a cap attached to the sidewall andconfigured to hold the retainer in the housing.
 15. A fin system for anaquatic board, the system comprising: a first fin assembly configured tobe disposed on a first side of the aquatic board, the first fin assemblycomprising a first housing, a first retainer disposed in the housing,and a first fin attached to the first retainer; and a second finassembly configured to be disposed on an opposing second side of theaquatic board, the second fin assembly comprising a second housing, asecond retainer disposed in the housing, and a second fin attached tothe second retainer, wherein the first and second retainers areconfigured to rotate with respect to the first and second housings, byat least about 30°.
 16. The fin system of claim 15, wherein the firstand second retainers are configured to rotate with respect to the firstand second housings, by an amount ranging from about 30° to about 170°.17. The fin system of claim 15, wherein: the first retainer isconfigured to pivot in the first housing, such that the first finrotates between a first position, where the first fin is parallel to acenterline of the board, and a second position where a trailing edge ofthe first fin is closer to the centerline than a leading edge of thefirst fin; and the second retainer is configured to pivot in the firsthousing, such that the second fin rotates between a third position,where the second fin is parallel to the centerline of the board, and afourth position where a trailing edge of the second fin is closer to thecenterline than a leading edge of the second fin.
 18. The fin system ofclaim 15, wherein: when the aquatic board is turning in the firstdirection, the first fin assembly is configured to hold the first fin inthe first position, and the second fin assembly is configured to rotatethe second fin towards the fourth position; and when the aquatic boardis turning in the second direction, the second fin assembly isconfigured to hold the second fin in the third position, and the firstfin assembly is configured to rotate the first fin towards the secondposition.
 19. An aquatic board comprising the fin system of claim 15disposed on a lower surface thereof.
 20. The aquatic board of claim 19,wherein the aquatic board is selected from a surfboard, a boogie board,a wake board, a water ski, or a wind surfing board.